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WRITINGS OF 5AM HOUSTON, 1843
to communicate. I am sorry to say that none of agreeable import has arrived. A portion of your letter afforded me great pleasure, for it communicated the intelligence that you had returned safely home. I was fearful that the result might have been otherwise; and my solicitude for you, as well as for other worthy citizens was heart- felt. As you remark, many worthy citizens of the country are in bondage, and I tremble for their fate. Since I saw (which was yesterday) the terms of their surrender to Ampudia, I can enter- tain but little hope of their salvation. Everything which could be done in their favor has already been [done]. On application to Captain Elliot, Her Britannic Majesty's Charge d'Affaires, at an early day, I induced him to address the British Minister at Mexico, Mr. Packenham, and urge every possible consideration in their favor. It has been done with cheerfulness by him. But even from this course I entertain no sanguine hopes for them. Remonstrance has already been made in their behalf through other friendly powers. I am sorry that the campaign has terminated no better than I expected. It is useless to repine. We must en- deavor to profit by experience in misfortune. A circumstance mentioned in your letter relative to the re- moval of the citizens of Victoria Eastward, and a general distrust in their security at that point is a subject of melancholy concern. I fear it has been brought to some extent, by agitators and panic makers. In the early part of last summer, men there abused the Executive for not giving protection and making war upon Mex- ico, when the whole amount of me.ans for the protection of the entire frontier of the :Republic would not, from the depreciated condition of our currency, have enabled the Executive to command more than seven thousand dollars. These things were not con- sidered, but he was denounced, and war was determined upon! I hope the same men will now step forward and defend the coun- try, that were then so anxious to invade a nation in violation of subordination to the Government. You, Sir, I rely upon in any and every extremity, and I know you will do the best in your power. You have always been found at your post-always active-always useful. On the subject of the Mexicans which you represent as remain- ing at Victoria under mysterious circumstances, I have reflected intensely; and I have come to the conclusion, that they are either citizens or foreigners. If they are citizens, they are subject to our laws, and you have a right to command their services. If
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